PROTECTING THE BIGGER PICTURE
By : Commissioner Vicki Schmidt
This year is undoubtedly one for the history books ! While our country has faced significant challenges in our relatively young history , we have always met them with resolve . Maybe it is the 24-hour news cycle or our instant access to information . Still , I have noticed that everyone seems to agree that 2020 feels like a decade of turmoil , and we are only three-quarters through . This column , however , is not about more dreaded COVID-19 news or the latest craziness - a Saharan dust cloud .
Those living outside of Kansas may not understand that here , we expect Spring and Summer to be a little crazy , but mostly because of storm season . Just last year , May was one of the most destructive months in property loss that we have seen at the Department . If there is a silver lining to 2020 , knock on wood , storm season has been relatively mild for our state . While that is cause for some good news , it does not reduce our need to be prepared .
As Insurance Commissioner , I often receive letters and emails from Kansans . They experience property loss and later find out they did not have the coverage they thought they had . Unfortunately , too many consumers do not thoroughly read their insurance policies to know what is actually covered . Often , they do not know what questions to ask .
As agents , you understand that insurance is about more than just meeting the coverage minimums and paying as little as possible . If used effectively , it can be a part of a larger plan to protect a customer and their family
from financial uncertainty . It is always important to know what insurance policy covers , but most Kansans get busy living life . It ' s easy to forget to check-in . Storm season is an excellent opportunity to remind your customers of the importance of being adequately insured .
It is an honor to serve you and your family in the Kansas Insurance Department . If there is something you think can work better or help other Kansans have a better experience with insurance , please share it with me at kid . commissioner @ ks . gov .
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt is both a lifelong Kansan and Republican . She worked for more than 40 years serving Kansas families and seniors as a local pharmacist . It was her pharmacy experience and commitment to bettering Kansas that drew her to run for the Legislature . Vicki became the voice for reform . She represented Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties for 14 years , including six as the Chair of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee . On Nov . 6 , 2018 , Vicki was elected as Kansas Insurance Commissioner . She became the first pharmacist to serve as Kansas Insurance Commissioner and is the only pharmacist in America to hold a statewide office .
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